Children exposed to Domestic Violence (DV) experience a range of behavioural, social, emotional, physical and long-term consequences (English, Edleson & Herrick, 2005). Although the exact number of children affected by DV is unknown, many studies suggest that the figure is high (Holt, Buckley, & Whelan, 2008). Dysfunctional family interactions, such as hostility and conflict, correlate with school refusal (Kearney & Silverman, 1995). Few studies have systematically examined the connection between dysfunctional family patterns and school refusal (Fremont, 2003). School refusal occurs in approximately 1-5% of school-aged children and is most common at 5, 6, 10, and 11 years old (Fremont, 2003). School refusal can have short-term consequences such as social, emotional and behavioural difficulties, poorer academic performance and family difficulties and long-term consequences including academic underachievement, employment difficulties and increased risk for psychiatric illness (Bernstein, Hektner, Borchardt, & McMillan, 2001). The present research aims to investigate the relationship between exposure to DV (among mothers and children), school refusal and psychosocial adjustment of primary school children. A convenience sampling strategy will be used to recruit mothers who have experienced or continue to experience DV in intimate partner relationships and who have a primary school child/children presenting with school refusal. Participants will be invited to complete an anonymous online survey through an online advertisement posted on social media and by word of mouth. Results from this study will contribute towards existing literature on the detrimental impact of exposure to domestic violence on children at critical stages of development.

References:
Bernstein, G. A., Hektner, J. M., Borchardt, C. M., & McMillan, M. H. (2001). Treatment of School Refusal: One-Year Follow-up. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 40(2), 206-213.
English, D. J., Edleson, J. L., & Herrick, M. E. (2005). Domestic violence in one state’s child protective caseload: A study of differential case dispositions and outcomes. Children and Youth Services Review, 27, 1183-1201.
Fremont, W. P. (2003). School refusal in children and adolescents. American Family Physician, 68(8), 1555-1560.
Holt, S., Buckley, H., & Whelan, S. (2008). The impact of exposure to domestic violence on children and young people: A review of the literature. Child Abuse & Neglect, 32(8), 797-810.
Kearney, C. A., & Silverman, W. K. (1995). Family environment of youngsters with school refusal behavior: A synopsis with implications for assessment and treatment. The American Journal of Family Therapy, 23(1), 59-72.